The Seven Liberal Arts:
* Trivium (the three roads of language): Focused on developing verbal and logical skills.
* Grammar: Study of Latin grammar, rhetoric, and literature. This wasn't just rote memorization; it involved analyzing texts and developing writing skills.
* Logic (Dialectic): Focused on argumentation, debate, and the principles of correct reasoning, often using Aristotelian logic. This was crucial for theological and philosophical discussions.
* Rhetoric: The art of persuasive speaking and writing. Students learned techniques of effective communication and argumentation.
* Quadrivium (the four roads of number): Focused on mathematical and scientific concepts.
* Arithmetic: The study of numbers and basic mathematical operations.
* Geometry: The study of shapes, lines, and space. Euclid's *Elements* was a key text.
* Astronomy: The study of the celestial bodies and their movements. This was closely tied to astrology and often heavily influenced by Ptolemy's work.
* Music: This wasn't music as we know it today, but rather the mathematical ratios and harmonies that underlay musical theory. It was considered a mathematical subject.
Beyond the Seven Liberal Arts:
As universities developed, other subjects emerged and gained prominence, particularly in the later medieval period:
* Theology: This became increasingly important, particularly in universities associated with religious orders. It was often the dominant subject, encompassing biblical studies, church doctrine, and philosophical theology. This often involved intense study of the works of Augustine and Aquinas.
* Canon Law: The study of church law was vital for those intending to work within the church's administration.
* Civil Law: The study of Roman law became important in some universities, particularly in Italy.
* Medicine: Medical schools developed within or alongside universities, often integrating anatomical studies, herbalism, and the works of Galen and other classical authors.
It's crucial to note that the relative emphasis on these subjects varied across universities and time periods. Earlier universities placed more emphasis on the trivium and quadrivium as a foundation, while later universities saw the rise of theology and professional fields like law and medicine. The availability of texts, the influence of individual professors, and the needs of society all shaped the specific curriculum.